Erik Olson of Lord Dying
These are my 10 favorite records of 2013 although they are by no means in any particular order.
10) Portal, Vexovoid
This album is disgusting, vile, putrid and completely ground breaking.
9) Subrosa, More Constant than the Gods
The follow up to No Help for the Mighty Ones,” a beautiful and dark, possibly slightly more mature release than the prior.
8) Red Fang, Whales and Leeches
Kick ass catchy ripper, by everyone’s favorite drunken intellectuals.
7) Vastum, Patricidal Lust
Filthy, sexual, scything old school death metal. Essential.
6) Inter Arma, Sky Burial
Thought provoking, a challenge for a civilized society.
5) Ramming Speed, Doomed to Destroy, Destined to Die
These boys shred all over the place and have a better time doing it than most bands.
4) Windhand, Soma
This album is heavy as hell and hauntingly beautiful.
3) Ghost, Infestissumam
Catchy as hell well written pop metal!
2) Toxic Holocaust, Chemistry of Consciousness
Another great album of thrash punk insanity!
1) Valient Thorr, Our Own Masters
The Thorriors are back at the top of their game!
Mike Meselsohn of Black Water Rising:
10) The Sword, Apocryphon
I think this was released at the end of last year but it’s another great offering from a band that consistently comes up with killer riffs and cool concepts!
9) Vista Chino, Peace
Kyuss Lives!
8) Rival Sons, Head Down
Soulful, bluesy straight up hard rock with big grooves and a vocalist who can actually bring it old school!
7) Black Sabbath, 13
It’s good to see them make a new album after all these years. The riffs are classic Iommi and Ozzy is doing his best but it’s just not the same without Bill Ward.
6) Rob Zombie, Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor
The title alone makes the list but RZ is endlessly entertaining and always brilliant in everything he does!
5) Monster Magnet, Last Patrol
This record sounds more like some of their earlier stuff which is basically a return to form from these fathers of stoner rock.
4) Queens Of The Stone Age, Like Clockwork
A little different for them but still some great moments overall.
3) Kill Devil Hill, Revolution Rise
Their first album was good but this one is even better with really hooky songs. Rex lays it down heavy, Vinny is better than ever and Dewey’s vocals take it to a new level!
2) Alice In Chains, The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here
Jerry and company have made a great record without Layne which I didn’t think was even possible.
1) Clutch, Earth Rocker
Possibly their best album since Blast Tyrant!
